What made Cobra Kai shift from YouTube to Netflix after 3 great Seasons?

Cobra Kai is counted among the most popular shows on Netflix. However, long before the martial arts comedy-drama made its debut on the streamer, it had another home: YouTube. The first two seasons of The Karate Kid sequel series were released on YouTube Red, aka YouTube Premium, in 2018 and 2019, respectively.

The show was a success on the video-sharing platform and amassed millions of views. YouTube had also ordered a third installment of the series; however, there was eventually a change of plans and the show ended up on Netflix.

Despite its popularity, YouTube decided to drop the show due to a shift in the platform’s content strategy. It decided to move away from scripted programming in 2020, and hence, Cobra Kai was canceled. Netflix then stepped in to save the series and continue it for four more seasons.

Cobra Kai shifted to Netflix when YouTube decided to step away from scripted programming

Cobra Kai premiered on YouTube Red in May 2018 and garnered over 20 million views within a week of its release. The positive reception led to its quick renewal for season 2, which was dropped in April 2019, and once again met with a thunderous response from the viewers.

YouTube then ordered a third season of the series. However, in 2020, the platform’s business model changed and it started focusing on unscripted programming and creators-based content. It moved from a subscription service to an ad-based video platform.

YouTube then announced that it would not be moving ahead with a fourth season of Cobra Kai. Sony Pictures Television, the distribution company of the show, started looking for an alternative streaming platform where the series could continue for future seasons.

Considering the fan base of the show, a bidding war started between different streamers, including Netflix and Hulu, to own its rights. Netflix ultimately won the bid, and the rest, they say, is history.

The first two seasons were moved to Netflix in August 2020. Season 3 premiered on the streamer in January 2021 and was able to reach an even wider audience, achieving new heights of popularity.

Netflix continued with the show, renewing it for three more installments, until it reached a natural conclusion with season 6. Interestingly, the streaming platform had also bidden for the project during its inception; however, it went to YouTube at the time.

The show ultimately benefited from its move to Netflix. The first season was watched in over 50 million households upon its release on the streamer, which made it the most-watched show on the platform in September 2020.

The move also gave the creators an opportunity to think about potential spin-off shows, which would not have been possible on YouTube. Hence, Netflix not only saved Cobra Kai but also made it a worldwide success and opened doors for more stories in the Karate Kid franchise.

In January 2023, the streaming platform announced the show’s sixth and final season. The mega-size season 6 is being released in three parts comprising five episodes each. The final five episodes of the show will premiere on February 13, 2025.

Cobra Kai brings back iconic characters from The Karate Kid films, including Ralph Macchio as Daniel LaRusso, William Zabka as Johnny Lawrence, Martin Kove as Martin Kove, and Thomas Ian Griffith as Terry Silver.

Trending

They are joined by new characters, who have made their own place in the audience’s hearts over the years. These include Courtney Henggeler as Amanda LaRusso, Xolo Maridueña as Miguel Diaz, Tanner Buchanan as Robby Keene, Mary Mouser as Eli Moskowitz, and Gianni DeCenzo as Demetri Alexopoulos.

Cobra Kai season 6 part 3 will be released on Netflix on February 13, 2025.

×

Was this article helpful?

Thank You for feedback

Comment